It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Judy, one of our much-loved residents at Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Judy was born in 1983 and is thought to have come from what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At around ten years old, she was rescued in transit, along with two other chimpanzees, having already been taken from her forest home. She arrived at the sanctuary with effects of polio on her right foot most likely from her childhood.

Judy never let that define her. She simply adapted, using her strong front limbs to pull herself from place to place, quietly and without fuss.

She was a devoted mother to Oscar, born in 1997, and in recent years spent her days with her best friends Alley and Poco. She had a sweet tooth for ugali, raw maize, roasted peanuts, apple, sweet potatoes and she will be remembered by the carers for her incredible spirit.

A message from the Sanctuary staff “Here at the Sanctuary, we remember her friendship with the staff through joyful milestone and difficult loses. Her influence continues in the dignity, respect and compassionate lifetime care we provide each ape”

From our vets “She was a true symbol of resilience, strength and kindness. Despite her disability and health challenges, she remained joyful, strong, and inspiring. She taught us to face life’s difficulties with courage, never give up, and always live life to the fullest.”

Judy lived for more than three decades in a place of safety and care, something that was taken from her far too early in life. Her story reminds us why the work we do at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary matters.

Thank you to everyone who supported Judy over the years, including her adopters and everyone who followed her story. Rest peacefully, Judy.